Trinity Friends,
I am writing to share with you the news that George Stroup will be resigning as Theologian in Residence, effective December 31. You will find his letter below.
George has been a vital part of Trinity for almost four years. We knew he would bring great erudition and wisdom, but his humor and compassion have greatly enriched our life as well. He has taught and preached with great insight and depth, and has been a wise counsel and friend to the senior pastor, staff, and many in the congregation. He has also engaged in several epic theological throw downs that will long be remembered.
On a personal note, I first met George more than 20 years ago when he was a professor of mine at Columbia Seminary. He has at various times over the past two decades been a teacher, mentor, friend, benefactor, and colleague. He has always been unfailingly kind and generous with me, and I'm deeply grateful to have had him as a part of my personal and professional life.
I hope you will join me in expressing gratitude to George for his ministry and friendship and wishing him every blessing in the days ahead.
Richard Floyd
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From George Stroup
When I accepted Pam's invitation to become Trinity's Theologian in Residence almost four years ago, I had no idea how much I was going to enjoy it. I had spent all of my adult life teaching theology to seminary students, and seminaries and congregations are very different institutions. At Trinity I discovered, to my delight, that ministry in congregations is just as challenging as and perhaps even more rewarding than seminary teaching. I am grateful for the hospitality and encouragement that has been extended to me.
Last August I turned seventy-five and that was an occasion for me to reflect on what I want to do in the immediate future. As much as I have enjoyed ministry at Trinity, I still have other things I want to with my life, including finishing a couple of half-written manuscripts. The librarian at Columbia Seminary has kindly offered me a space in which to do that.
I have enjoyed participating in ministry with Pam Driesell. Given that the Theologian in Residence serves in part as counsel to the senior pastor, with Pam's departure, it seemed an appropriate time for me to leave as well. Consequently, I have decided to resign my position as Trinity's Theologian in Residence effective December 31, 2019.
I am thankful for the opportunity I have had to do ministry at Trinity. It is a special place filled with special people. I have no doubt that God will continue to guide and bless this wonderful congregation.
Sincerely,
George Stroup
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From Frank Fuerst and Cindy Ferguson,
During his time at Trinity George has been a treasured member of our clergy staff-a gifted pastor, a brilliant teacher and a friend. It's no exaggeration to say that his impact on the spiritual and intellectual life of our church community has been profound. We cherish the time we've had with him.
His departure leaves a space that cannot easily be filled. As the Theologian in Residence serves closely with the senior pastor the recommendation the Personnel Committee will be making to the Session is that we do not begin a search to fill the position during this Interim period. In the meantime, once an interim senior pastor is in place, Richard will take on some of George's primary responsibilities, notably the Theology Book Group, the Covenant Bible Study, and the Kittrell Lecture committee, as well as Adult Education teaching assignments. At the same time, some of Richard's current responsibilities as Acting Head of Staff will shift to the interim which will provide space for Richard to take on these key duties that George had.
After 20 years of learning from him, we couldn't hope to find someone better to fill George's shoes in the near term than Richard.
Frank Fuerst, Chair, Trinity Personnel Committee
Cindy Ferguson, Chair Elect, Trinity Personnel Committee
